A Beginner’s Guide To Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, the use of water for treatment of certain disorders, has been a medical practice that has stood the test of time. It has been around since medieval times when gladiators would use cold water to relieve pain from the wars. It is currently used in spas, whirlpools, swimming pools, as well as other aquatic therapy mediums.

Many people have successfully used hydrotherapy to ease pain in their lives. The water creates an environment which is advantageous when it comes to physical therapy. The buoyancy of the water gives relief to body stress, while the water temperatures have different effects on the body. Warm water loosens tight stressed muscles while cold water relieves pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Hydrotherapy works as a combination of mechanical as well as thermal effects. It is applied in different ways depending on the patient, practitioner, and the kind of ailment that the patient has. It involves immersion of the entire body into a mass of water, application of ice on the body, hot water spas, steaming, and colon hydrotherapy. It is used to relieve headaches, stress, colds, depression, menstrual cramps, stomach aches, muscle pains, and joint pains. It is also used to treat acne, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and prostate swelling.

How to begin hydrotherapy sessions

If you have never done this kind of physical therapy before, first you need to do some research. Find out what would be the best treatment for your ailment. This is to prepare you on what to expect.

Prepare for your therapy

Sometimes, you will be required to get into a large pool of water. Preparation for such hydrotherapy requires you to be psychologically prepared as well as physically prepared. Get swimwear and any other therapy aid that you may require. If you choose a therapy session that involves swimming, make sure that you can swim.

Get trained professionals

Some of the methods of hydrotherapy may sound simple to you and tempt you to try them by yourself. If you have no experience with the practices, it is wise to get a professional to help you. Water is a gentle medium of exercise, but it can be lethal and dangerous if you have no experience. A professional will also be able to monitor your healing process and guide you through the sessions. They can recommend different exercises that you may not be aware of, and that will help you heal effectively.

Have a strong desire to try it

Ideally, these exercises may seem easy on paper but they may be harder in real life. Swimming for long hours and dipping your body in hot or ice water is not simple. Sweating in a spa for hours may also feel exhausting and draining, but you must have a bigger picture with you before you begin in the course. This way, you will have the strength to overcome the challenges and feel better in the end. Keep in mind that hydrotherapy will not work overnight. All in all, have the patience to go through all your sessions to avoid being discouraged and disappointed!